Streaking Spurs seal Jazz playoff series 4-0

The San Antonio Spurs swept into the second round of the NBA playoffs with an 87-81 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday, erasing bitter memories of last year’s embarrassing first-round exit.

Western Conference top seeds San Antonio, who were stunned by Memphis in last year’s playoffs, sealed the best-of-seven series against Utah 4-0 with their 14th consecutive win. Manu Ginobili scored 17 points while Tony Parker and Tim Duncan played sparingly, finishing with 11 points apiece. Elsewhere, Chris Paul scored eight of his 27 points after regulation to lead Los Angeles to a thrilling 101-97 overtime win against the Grizzlies. Game Five is on Wednesday in Memphis.